Rubicon

:

Season 1
  • Network: AMC
  • Series Premiere Date: Aug 1, 2010
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 130 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 109 out of 130
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 130
  3. Negative: 13 out of 130
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User Reviews

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  1. jayP.
    Aug 2, 2010
    10
    I am captivated by the mood and intrigued by the mystery. I am sure AMC has another winner here
  2. MrSiko
    Aug 16, 2010
    10
    Loving this show, after four episodes. The characters and shrewd, terse dialogue are stunning. Once again AMC exceed my expectations. I await the next episodes with baited breath.
  3. luisl
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    One of the best show of the season. The first episodes are very slow, but all the shows from AMC are like that (like Breaking Bad: the fly). The plot is well done, it is a real conspiracy and not some lost replacement **** like the event...
  4. VB27
    Aug 23, 2010
    10
    I know people are complaining that it moves too slow, but if you can make it past the first few episodes it DOES start picking up. The fourth episode might be the best episode of tv I've seen this year, bar none. Personally, I don't mind the pace. The acting, writing, and direction are all very well done, and make the experience very enjoyable. But I should warn, it is NOT a good showI know people are complaining that it moves too slow, but if you can make it past the first few episodes it DOES start picking up. The fourth episode might be the best episode of tv I've seen this year, bar none. Personally, I don't mind the pace. The acting, writing, and direction are all very well done, and make the experience very enjoyable. But I should warn, it is NOT a good show to watch while multitasking. There is a lot of visual stuff that would be missed if you're not watching.… Expand
  5. redbookreader
    Aug 23, 2010
    10
    Rubicon rewards patience; not unlike a Coen Bros. film, it unfolds in front of you, slowly and deliberately, with many characters you aren't supposed to like or admire and only a few characters you do, or at least, might; its plot will make you think and assume and second guess your assumptions - but only if you're paying attention.
  6. amyigibson
    Sep 5, 2010
    10
    WHAT PLOT? This is like a meta show itself about suspense. Its like the suspense IS the plot. I had hoped for great things. So far I find it boring. I don't know why I am supposed to care about a single character.
  7. LonelyBoy1105
    Sep 9, 2010
    10
    Simply stunning. The whole slow atmosphere, and lovable characters are just part of this magnificent made show. This isn't kind of show that hooks you up right away, but it definitely does that after few episodes. The mysterious music, the luxurious and poor scenes, the amazingly good acting and of course the main mystery puzzles you in way you can't imagine. But again this isn't forSimply stunning. The whole slow atmosphere, and lovable characters are just part of this magnificent made show. This isn't kind of show that hooks you up right away, but it definitely does that after few episodes. The mysterious music, the luxurious and poor scenes, the amazingly good acting and of course the main mystery puzzles you in way you can't imagine. But again this isn't for everyone... Only for the patient intelligence ones.… Expand
  8. Dr-Girlfriend
    Sep 13, 2010
    10
    I've been waiting for a drama like Rubicon. It's like a slow, sizzling, cerebral stew of puzzles, red herrings, manipulative characters, politics, and conspiracy. These are great ingredients for an intriguing thought-provoking plot, and well worth waiting to dig into. Tell your friends about this one. It's delivering.
  9. Soupstorm
    Sep 14, 2010
    10
    I'm eight episodes in, and this show has finally finished its metamorphosis from a plodding non-drama into a complex, writhing machine. Disparate clues and seemingly-random lines are finally making contact with each other, and the paranoia is quickly mounting. James Badge Dale, Arliss Howard, and Michael Cristofer are brilliant in their respective roles, twisting the purposefully-vagueI'm eight episodes in, and this show has finally finished its metamorphosis from a plodding non-drama into a complex, writhing machine. Disparate clues and seemingly-random lines are finally making contact with each other, and the paranoia is quickly mounting. James Badge Dale, Arliss Howard, and Michael Cristofer are brilliant in their respective roles, twisting the purposefully-vague dialogue with hints of broader knowledge and deeper meaning, cementing both the humanity of their characters, and the pressure of their environment. The conspiracy is mounting.… Expand
  10. Krby71
    Sep 22, 2010
    10
    A mystery inside a puzzle wrapped in a labyrinth. The slow pace helps keep you wondering who is on what side. Refreshing to get to watch intelligent television
  11. herenow
    Sep 27, 2010
    10
    My favorite show currently on the air. Smart (thank God), subtle writing, first class acting across the board, and motivations/actions that are (usually) more implied and hinted so its audience can fill in layers of meaning as we do in real life when given the option. An intelligent drama is so rare these days--and when one revolves around a story line of good and evil, as this one does,My favorite show currently on the air. Smart (thank God), subtle writing, first class acting across the board, and motivations/actions that are (usually) more implied and hinted so its audience can fill in layers of meaning as we do in real life when given the option. An intelligent drama is so rare these days--and when one revolves around a story line of good and evil, as this one does, where the characters do their best according to their own priorities, fail and get up to try again, it's just this side of heroic and reminds us of the best (human) life has to offer.… Expand
  12. brownallaround
    Sep 28, 2010
    10
    Simply put, AMC's Rubicon is the most engrossing and thought-provoking drama of the current TV season. Yes, its pace is slow and an episode leaves the viewer with some unanswered questions. But that's exactly the point. We're following in the same footsteps as Will Travers, the CIA analyst who seeks to uncover details behind a deep government conspiracy that killed hisSimply put, AMC's Rubicon is the most engrossing and thought-provoking drama of the current TV season. Yes, its pace is slow and an episode leaves the viewer with some unanswered questions. But that's exactly the point. We're following in the same footsteps as Will Travers, the CIA analyst who seeks to uncover details behind a deep government conspiracy that killed his boss/father-in-law and led a multi-millionaire to suicide. Rather than revealing it all to the viewer while keeping characters in the dark, we end up feeling the same anxiety and uncertainty that Will battles every day. I like the fact that the show forces the viewer to take in every last detail of what you're watching and hearing, and just when you think you have a grip on someone's M.O., you're later proven wrong. Arliss Howard is outstanding as Kale Ingram, Will's manager and "guardian angel" with questionable loyalties...so much so that I'm hoping that his work is recognized during awards season. Those who are not familiar with 70's conspiracy/espionage thrillers like The Conversation, The Parallax View, All the President's Men or Three Days of the Condor won't grasp the inspiration or flow of the series. An outstanding ensemble of actors, sharp writing, interesting subplots, great character development and a thoughtful use of symbolism all add up to the most worthwhile TV that a viewer could possibly ask for.… Expand
  13. Tubie
    Oct 19, 2010
    10
    This show has been such a nice surprise for me. I started watching from episode 1 and at first I just thought it was another boring spy show. Think again this show is so well done. I agree with some of the other reviewers, this show would have not survived 4 episodes on a major network. Thank heavens we have AMC pushing great TV shows. If you like slow paced but intelligent TV/Movies thatThis show has been such a nice surprise for me. I started watching from episode 1 and at first I just thought it was another boring spy show. Think again this show is so well done. I agree with some of the other reviewers, this show would have not survived 4 episodes on a major network. Thank heavens we have AMC pushing great TV shows. If you like slow paced but intelligent TV/Movies that eventually end up with an amazing well structured plot, then this show is for you.… Expand
  14. bostonpublic
    Oct 5, 2010
    10
    I was interested after the first episode but by now, after the 11th, I'm screaming for more. It's like that friend that took a little while to get to know but ended up being the one you still hang out with. I'm sure the popularity will only shoot up after people can watch one episode right after another instead of having to wait a week. Think Arrested Development but make it a thriller instead.
  15. DrSchnitz
    Oct 9, 2010
    10
    A fine, quiet, thriller almost as paranoid as Damages. Good to better acting, well thought out characterization and a sense of constant, invisible movement make Rubicon one of TV's best.
  16. drjohn
    Oct 10, 2010
    10
    It is perfect. It is a cerebral drama and not as visceral as 24, which I appreciate. I hope AMC keeps this. I have recommended it to many friends and they all love it.
  17. Marlie
    Oct 11, 2010
    10
    Love the concept, the characters are interesting and captivating, the story is compelling and the acting is superb. My entire family (from age 22 to 82) is hooked. It requires some attention (hooray!) so anyone used to the banalities of reality television might not get it, but for the rest of us, it is a television show to be thrilled about. It is glorious to see people using their mindsLove the concept, the characters are interesting and captivating, the story is compelling and the acting is superb. My entire family (from age 22 to 82) is hooked. It requires some attention (hooray!) so anyone used to the banalities of reality television might not get it, but for the rest of us, it is a television show to be thrilled about. It is glorious to see people using their minds to solve puzzles, rather than fancy equipment, and the relationships are fascinating. I love CSI as much as the next person, but this show demonstrates another, more interesting, way that crimes can be solved. It has us all on the edges of our seats and we await each Sunday with great anticipation. Thanks AMC. Please keep Rubicon in production!!… Expand
  18. ferris
    Oct 11, 2010
    10
    I think the verdict is in on this television series. It is 'Rear WIndow' in thirteen parts. In the first several episodes of Rubicon, the audience is pulled into a compelling puzzle. A suicide, a tragic accident, and hints of a conspiracy in a backwater intelligence agency. We learn what makes Will Travers, his team and his bosses tick, and Will winds his way to a conclusion on hisI think the verdict is in on this television series. It is 'Rear WIndow' in thirteen parts. In the first several episodes of Rubicon, the audience is pulled into a compelling puzzle. A suicide, a tragic accident, and hints of a conspiracy in a backwater intelligence agency. We learn what makes Will Travers, his team and his bosses tick, and Will winds his way to a conclusion on his conspiracy theory. Patience has its rewards. By the time you get to Episode 11, your heart is in your throat.… Expand
  19. SouthWind
    Oct 13, 2010
    10
    Rubicon is one of the few intelligent shows on television. Although its pace is slow at first, it keeps building and the suspense builds with it. It is an intriguing, complex, finely written, beautifully acted drama. It demands attention but the attention is well rewarded. The production values of this show are equal to the best shows on HBO. This is the best show yet on AMC, althoughRubicon is one of the few intelligent shows on television. Although its pace is slow at first, it keeps building and the suspense builds with it. It is an intriguing, complex, finely written, beautifully acted drama. It demands attention but the attention is well rewarded. The production values of this show are equal to the best shows on HBO. This is the best show yet on AMC, although Mad Men runs a very close second.… Expand
  20. Punkysnares
    Oct 24, 2010
    10
    Rubicon has the most realistic depiction of how real intelligence is derived, the missing pieces of the puzzle that require your best guess, team members dealing with personal issues, other agencies withholding information or having a different assessment and the big elephant in the room... the politics that you may not know who, how or why effects your analysis. If you want insight into aRubicon has the most realistic depiction of how real intelligence is derived, the missing pieces of the puzzle that require your best guess, team members dealing with personal issues, other agencies withholding information or having a different assessment and the big elephant in the room... the politics that you may not know who, how or why effects your analysis. If you want insight into a closed world watch Rubicon.… Expand
  21. TheDoctorIsIn
    Oct 24, 2010
    10
    What a gift we've been given by AMC! Rubicon is a simply wonderful dramatic thriller. I had read the rather negative NYTimes review just prior to the season premier, in which the reviewer was whining about the pace of the first episode. I must say that one of the facets that I most love about Rubicon Is The Pace, in fact! The show is SO very confident in how patiently it paces itself--theWhat a gift we've been given by AMC! Rubicon is a simply wonderful dramatic thriller. I had read the rather negative NYTimes review just prior to the season premier, in which the reviewer was whining about the pace of the first episode. I must say that one of the facets that I most love about Rubicon Is The Pace, in fact! The show is SO very confident in how patiently it paces itself--the dialog, scene to scene, and episode to episode. The writing, directing, and editing have S-M-A-R-T written all over them...as do the actors. This is a totally engaging ensemble cast, with a wonderfully diverse and colorful palette of personae. I believe that another criticism of the show by the NYTimes reviewer was the ambiguity and labyrinthine nature of the plot. And, of course, I would say to that, "How wonderful is it finally to have some complexity in a TV drama's story line?!" I would say we were a bit overdue on that score! Again, thank you, AMC for investing in this level of quality entertainment.

    Despite how much I love this show, let me try to add a bit of critique, for some balance. I felt there were times in the final episode (the 13th) that the writers/director/actors were flirting a bit with being melodramatic. AMC, more seasons of Rubicon, please!!!    … Expand
  22. BlueBuckeye
    Nov 7, 2010
    10
    Rubicon has been a great, spellbinding series! Can't wait for Season Two (there better be a Season 2). I enjoy waiting for the plot to unravel, it makes me think that much more about what will happen next. Keep up the great work!
  23. sandra8349
    Apr 5, 2011
    10
    Review from France ! Best TV show these last months... Gripping, cerebral, interesting characters and mood. An original TV show. What a shame it' stopped.
  24. Barton_Fink
    Jul 25, 2011
    10
    We want a second season! Rubicon is simply outstanding.

    Obviously for AMC money matters more than stories and, despite I can understand, I can't agree with it. Rubicon cancelled and Walking Dead renewed? C'mon! What a joke!
  25. kingfish280
    Jul 16, 2012
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This is definitely one of the most under rated shows ever. The plot is genuinely compelling and the cast has to be one of the best on TV . Although i found some characters a bit unnecessary the acting was great throughout with James Badge Dale and Arliss Howard definitely standing out among the rest. Dale fit perfectly into the role and Howard was complex and infinitely watchable and the other cast members were also well suited for their characters. The atmosphere heightened the sense of paranoia and the darkness and shadows were pretty creepy. I didn't think the show was as slow as everyone says but that is probably because even when the A storyline-the conspiracy- lagged the episodes were bolstered by such great B stories i tended not to notice. The shows thoughtful and meticulous nature proved its undoing but cerebral television is often criticized for being slow but the time and investment almost always leads to a better payoff. And Rubicon did not disappoint. Episodes 9-12 were one of the best stretches of episodes I've ever seen. Although the actual answer to the conspiracy-causing catastrophic events for profits- was a little lame, the road to those answers made for compelling TV and the actual reveal wasn't bad either. I really wish this show had gotten another season because while it was a great show it could 've been a really great show. Would it have been the next Breaking Bad or Mad Men. Maybe, maybe not i don't know for certain. But COULD it have been. Absolutely.… Expand
  26. edwardT.
    Aug 3, 2010
    9
    Needs to be watched at least twice to catch most of the subtleties. But well worth viewing.
  27. TerryR.
    Aug 1, 2010
    9
    How glorious. A drama/thriller where neither is a building blown up nor a corpse eviscerated. Why has it taken so long to realize how satisfying were the puzzlers "Three Days of the Condor" and "The Parallax View?" And to give them back as episode TV?
  28. LeeF
    Aug 2, 2010
    9
    Caught and held my interest right away. It will be interesting to see where it goes.
  29. trilby
    Oct 18, 2010
    9
    Have just watched episode 13 and im lost for words for how truly absorbing this programme is. The slow, assured build up over the course of the series, where time has been made available for deep characterisation and plot construction, has now developed into its powerful conclusion...oh what the hell...it's brilliant!! My only concern is that how do we get a second series if Will join's upHave just watched episode 13 and im lost for words for how truly absorbing this programme is. The slow, assured build up over the course of the series, where time has been made available for deep characterisation and plot construction, has now developed into its powerful conclusion...oh what the hell...it's brilliant!! My only concern is that how do we get a second series if Will join's up all the dots.

    Spangler may well be my favourite TV character since Ohma in the Wire.    … Expand
  30. Greger
    Sep 16, 2010
    9
    After watching eight episodes I can see my patience with Rubicon is finally being rewarded. I find the subject matter fresh and the acting first rate. The series was slow in developing, some say plodding, but given the necessary character development and the layered plot lines this is understandable. The series is now moving at a good pace and has characters that finally interest me.After watching eight episodes I can see my patience with Rubicon is finally being rewarded. I find the subject matter fresh and the acting first rate. The series was slow in developing, some say plodding, but given the necessary character development and the layered plot lines this is understandable. The series is now moving at a good pace and has characters that finally interest me. Add in the parallels to the real world and I would say this series has legs. I can only hope that AMC does not have this series on a short leash.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

46
#46 Best TV Season of 2010
7
#7 Most Discussed TV Season of 2010
59
#59 Most Shared TV Season of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
69

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 28
  3. Negative: 1 out of 28
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    80
    If you enjoy slowly piecing together a puzzle without having first seen the final image, Rubicon is right up your alley; if not, the brainteasing will likely unnerve you.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Herald
    Reviewed by: Mark A. Perigard
    42
    It's a dull blend, a slow-moving mind-rot creeping on unsuspecting viewers.
    Read full review
  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Paige Wiser
    88
    There are some great characterizations and attention to detail. If you stick with the series, you'll be treated to a lecture on the perfect briefcase by the droll Michael Cristopher that's worth the price of admission. And if you think your office banter is entertaining, try swapping in-jokes with the intelligence community.
    Read full review
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